The Name's Oliver - Ben Oliver. Ch. 159: Duty vs Ethics, Pt. II

[Schipperke]

I think it's really interesting how Ben looks like both Agnes and Mr. Payne. He's obviously a Crumplebottom child, yet his expressions remind me so much of the famed man in grey. 

Audren, I'm so glad you think he looks like his parents!  I'm not sure why, but I really like the idea of him taking after Agnes and Mr Payne.  And I don't play with genetics very often, so when you say he's obviously a Crumplebottom child, I didn't know that and I'm glad you pointed it out.  I didn't change him in any way other than clothes and hair style.

[Louise56]

This was just awesome! I can't wait for tomorrows update. I hope we find out the truth then, but knowing how Schip love her cliffhangers I doubt it. I hope I'm wrong lol.

[Anushka]

The suspense is unbearable! What I thought before the interviews is now not looking plausible. I was also curius about the presents, and it does give some ideas but by no means I can't figure out the plot of the genius. Can't wait for tomorow.

[Schipperke]

And the Saboteur is ... (Part I)

Diary Entry

When I walked in to the recreation hall, they were all waiting for me.  The five Scientists sitting side-by-side, with Gobias at the front where he could see everyone.  I walked in and took my seat at the table.



There they were, the top Scientists in the Sim world, waiting expectantly for me to speak.  Here in this peaceful book-lined room* that should have seen no conflict greater than a scientific discussion, we were gathered to unmask a saboteur.  I only hoped I was right in my suspicions.



I cleared my throat and began to speak.  "As you know, your Director," I gestured to Gobias, "asked for an investigation into the sabotage at the Science Centre."



I went on, "It is clear that the only people capable of carrying out this sabotage are the six of you.  All of you had the opportunity, the means and the knowledge to sabotage the investigation into the burning water problem.  Motive was less clear.  The problem with destroying the water supply is that the people in this room are just as dependent on water as every other Sim on the planet.  Why would someone destroy the water that maintains their life?  There were two possibilities.  First, we could be dealing with an insane fanatic who didn't care about their own life, someone with a colossal grudge against the rest of humanity who was willing to sacrifice their own life in order to kill as many other people as possible."

They were all watching me and listening intently.



"Thorough background checks turned up no evidence of insanity in any of you.  Nor has there been any evidence of mental instability since you've been living here at the Science Centre, and living in such close quarters, tendencies of that sort would certainly have been noticed.  You've all been under a great deal of pressure, and it's natural for some stress to be showing, but I think we can safely discard the insanity theory."

Kaila Swift breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that I wasn't pointing my finger at her because of her breakdown.  Out of the corner of my eye I saw Naomi Nita nod thoughtfully, and I imagined I could hear her thoughts, "Yes.  Scientific method.  Process of elimination."



I continued, "Assuming that we aren't dealing with an insane fanatic, there is no reason to suspect Dr Koffi.  As Director of this project, he has the most to lose if the project fails.  All of you know that the outcome of this project will make or break your career, and that is especially true for the person in charge.  Furthermore, if Dr Koffi were the saboteur, he would have resisted calling in help instead of contacting us.  I am satisfied that Dr Koffi is not the saboteur.

"Again, eliminating the possibility of an insane fanatic, we are left with only one explanation.  The saboteur was willing to risk destruction of all the water on the planet because that person knew that his or her own life would not be at risk.  Some of you have been trying to ensure your own survival through various means.  Your Director told me about the Death Flowers and Dr Anderson showed me the spirit capsules.  But neither of those methods is sufficient to ensure your long-term survival, as a Scientist would undoubtedly know.  A Death Flower would only postpone death and give you more time to suffer the agonies of death by dehydration.  No matter how many Death Flowers one might manage to accumulate, the ultimate end would be the same.  As for the spirit capsules, with respect, Dr Anderson, the theory of transfer of consciousness is just that - a theory.  Nobody knows if it is possible, and even if it is possible, what might happen to the transferred Sim consciousness is equally unknown.  Anyone trying this would be putting their own life on the line in a very risky experiment.  With an outcome that could quite possibly be worse than death by dehydration."

Conrad Anderson shook his head sadly, "I know.  Everything you've said is true.  It's just that I can't bear the thought of us all dying."

"Nobody's going to die on my watch!" I said sharply.  "I know why the saboteur wasn't afraid to destroy the water supply.  I know why it was done and I believe I know how the water was made to burn.  And I know who the saboteur is."



... to be continued

Diary Entry Ends.

* Jancy's Bookshelf Pattern

[Audren]

Where did you get Conrad's shirt from? I haven't seen it before, but it looks really cool.

[Schipperke]

Where did you get Conrad's shirt from? I haven't seen it before, but it looks really cool.

I think it's from the 70's, 80's & 90's Stuff Pack.

[ladybug53]

This was a great update !  So close to knowing the truth . Looking forward to the next update . 

[Magpie2012]

Just read all of this in one sitting!!! Schip awesome as always and may I please nominate myself/simself (whoever as long as its me lol) for your next interactive session!!! And Rhapsody you little shark!!! Now I know why you kept telling me to read this story!!! I've narrowed you down to one of two characters and can't wait to see if I'm right!

Can't wait for the next update Schip!

[Beezy]

NOOOO!! NOT ANOTHER CLIFFHANGER!

I think i know who it is, but I'll keep it to myself. 

[Schipperke]

I think i know who it is, but I'll keep it to myself. 

Thank you very much for your discretion.  I do think it's best to not have a lot of speculation while the mystery is still going on, as that may spoil the enjoyment of some of the other readers.

When all is revealed in the next chapter, I'll be very interested to hear how many people guessed or deduced the solution.  This is my first attempt at writing a mystery, so it's hard for me to know how obvious or difficult the puzzle is.  As always, feedback is welcome.   

Just read all of this in one sitting!!! Schip awesome as always and may I please nominate myself/simself (whoever as long as its me lol) for your next interactive session!!!

Thanks very much, Magpie, and welcome to the story.  You arrived just in time for the denouement of this particular mission!  And I appreciate the offer of future assistance with the story.  I will quite likely take you up on it at some point.

[Magpie2012]

Thanks very much, Magpie, and welcome to the story.  You arrived just in time for the denouement of this particular mission!  And I appreciate the offer of future assistance with the story.  I will quite likely take you up on it at some point.

EEEEPPP!!!!
Sorry for those of you who don't know Rhapsody in person that her "OMG YAY!!!" squeal lol I thought this was a brilliant time to steal it!!! *dance of joy*

[RainBeau]

I don't have a clue who it is, I think your mystery is quite good! I can't wait to find out!

[cndneh]

AHHH... it was Colonel Mustard in the library with the candle stick!!!

*grumble mutter cliffhanger mutter grumble*

 

[RaiaDraconis]

AHHH... it was Colonel Mustard in the library with the candle stick!!!

*grumble mutter cliffhanger mutter grumble*

 

Best comment ever. 

I have a couple of theories as to who it might be. I'm kind of thinking one person, but then there are reasons to think that another one is responsible. Even the Sherlock Holmes method (i.e. eliminating the impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth) is failing me. There really is no one that I can eliminate from the equation, save Gobias.

I'm really starting to like that goofy balding scientist, thanks to this story.

[Louise56]

I don't have a clue who the saboteur is! And if I do try I would be wrong, that is how good you are with the mystery stuff Schip! I can't wait for the next update!